The Hyperloop

The modern world is traveling lightning fast owing to the innovations in the transportation sector. The vacuum-based mobility service, ‘The Hyperloop’, is one such engineering marvel that can transport individuals at a speed of nearly 1200 km/h. Several companies are working to develop the first public Hyperloop systems.

Since its conception in 2014, Virgin’s Hyperloop One project has received immense popularity, with Los Angeles, Dubai and Mumbai being the inaugural destinations. With a top speed of 1080 km/h, Hyperloop One vehicles are propelled using a linear electric motor. The project is expected to become operational by 2021.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is another hyperloop company working towards building China’s first Hyperloop system. HTT’s technology is a next-generation passive magnetic levitation system. According to HTT, pressurized capsules carrying passengers and cargo will float on a frictionless magnetic cushion through a network of low-pressure tubes between cities. The silent and emission-free system will be able to reach a maximum speed of 1,223 km/h.

Despite all the advantages, certain issues need to be resolved before the Hyperloop can be made available for public use. Some of these concerns are: –

Possible unpleasant and frightening experience of riding in a narrow, sealed, and windowless capsule inside a sealed steel tunnel

Near-sonic level nausea-inducing acceleration and high noise levels because of the compressed air around the capsule, which could also cause strong vibrations and jostling.

It is evident that the Hyperloop concept is poised to change the future of transportation as we know it. So, are you ready to travel between cities in mere minutes, rather than hours? The Hyperloop is almost here, and it’s going to be way bigger than we could ever imagine!